Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has selected the bulk of the side that narrowly lost to Australia to face Scotland on Saturday in Suva.

Prop Peni Ravai who injured his arm in last weekend's match is replaced by Mesake Doge, bringing Samuela Tawake onto the vacant bench spot.

Philip Baselala is replaced by Sam Wye, he too is likely to make his debut when he comes off the bench.

Vilimoni Botitu fills the vacant #23 jersey worn by Sireli Maqala last weekend. Maqala is promoted to starting Centre in place of Iosefo Masi in what is the biggest change from last weekend. See the full team here

The Flying Fijians battled from 14-nil down to lead 15-14 in the 2nd half of their opening test match against the Wallabies. Jiuta Wainiqolo set up both Fiji's tries including a trademark linebreak where he beat several defenders on a 70 metre run to set up Lekima Tagitagivalu in the corner.

Fiji looked to have scored through Sireli Maqala minutes later if not for the TMO intervening.

The winning try came in the 78th minute. The Wallabies winning 21-18.

Former Soyaux Angoulame Number 8 Alex Masibaka will wear the Scotland jersey for the first time in their match against the Maori All-Blacks on Sunday morning.

Although not an official Test, the speedy backrower gets to test himself at International level against a Tier 1 team.

Former Fijian Drua NRC Lock Tevita Naqali has been named in the USA lineup to take on Belgium this weekend. The towering second rower has been exceptional the last 2 seasons and gets his just reward.

He represented Fiji in 2019 in their exhibition win against the Barbarians and also came off the bench in the Drua's NRC title win in 2018.

Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has named an exciting lineup for their opening Test match this Sunday against the Wallabies. Amongst those named, former New Zealand Sevens rep Salesi Rayasi who will start at fullback.

Taking over the captaincy after the international retirement of Waisea Nayacalevu is Fijian Drua Hooker Tevita Ikanivere. Also making a likely debut if halfback Philip Baselala who has been named on the bench.

See full squad

2023 NPC Champions Taranaki have signed Fijian Drua speedster Taniela Rakuro for the upcoming Bunnings NPC season.

The Bulls were actively in the market for an impactful winger given Kini Naholo has been ruled out for the season.

“We’ve built this team around our own, and I don’t often look out of region,” said Head Coach Neil Barnes. “But when you lose a player like Kini, you have to find someone who brings similar impact. Taniela’s a class finisher with all the traits we value in a Taranaki player. He’s physical, hard-working, and team-first. We’re thrilled to bring him in.”